At least 2,000 orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) have been found to be inhabiting Kutai National Park in East Kutai, East Kalimantan, the forests of which were thought to have been too damaged.

The new findings on the orangutans’ well-being were the result of a survey conducted by experts from Mulawarman University, STIPER agriculture school, and NGOs Orangutan Conservation Services Program and The Nature Conservancy.

Head of the surveillance team Yaya Rayadin said the existence of the orangutans in the park showed that the forest remained viable for them to live.

“However, Kutai National Park is considered a ‘last resort’ for Kalimantan’s orangutans due to land conversion for, among others, mining and palm plantations,” Yaya said Tuesday.

Nevertheless, the orangutans still face possible loss of their habitat in Kutai National Park owing to illegal hunting and logging, he added.